Furniture and item delivery driver

Independent furniture and appliance shops, second-hand sellers, people buying from online marketplaces, and small businesses needing occasional deliveries.

Fixed price per delivery based on distance and size, or a day rate for shops with regular work. Multiple drops in one trip increase earnings.

• Reliable timekeeping and route planning
• Careful handling of bulky items
• Clear communication with customers

• Goods in transit and hire and reward insurance, check what is covered and any value limits
• Check whether your van and driving licence suit the loads you plan to carry
• Fuel and van running costs can cut into margins on short, low-priced jobs
• Late payment from business customers, agree terms up front
• Check rules on tachographs or driver hours if you start doing longer or heavier work

Startup costs are typically around £2,500 to £10,000, depending on the van you use, your insurance and any handling equipment. These are estimates, so compare quotes for vehicles and cover before you decide.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £3,500, depending on how many jobs you take, your area and the prices you charge. Fuel and van running costs can reduce what you keep on short, low-priced jobs.

Check goods in transit and hire and reward insurance, including any value limits. Check your van and driving licence suit the loads you plan to carry, and look into tachograph or driver hours rules if you move to longer or heavier work.